Gabriel Martinelli has revealed that Arsenal staff are convinced one youngster in particular has a bright future at the club.
The Hale End academy’s connection to the first team under Mikel Arteta has diminished recently due to the rapid progress and high pressure on the senior side. However, Martinelli believes there are a few young talents who cannot be ignored and could follow in Bukayo Saka’s footsteps.
Among these promising players are Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, considered two of the most exciting young talents at Arsenal in the last decade. While Amario Cozier-Duberry was once regarded similarly, it now appears the young winger may leave the club.
Martinelli, while away with Brazil, discussed Nwaneri’s potential in an interview with AS before the start of Copa America. The Brazilian forward highlighted Nwaneri as Arsenal’s brightest prospect when asked about his relationship with the club’s young players and the future importance of youngsters like Chido Obi-Martin.
At the club, they are very happy with the evolution of the young people who come up from the academy. We try to give them all the help we can to make them comfortable,” Martinelli said.
Everyone knows how difficult it is to get into the first team, to be a professional. They have to take advantage of the opportunity, but also be calm. Ethan is a very quality boy. The club has a lot of faith in him and hopes that he will be the one who can help us the most in the future.”
Nwaneri is expected to have a senior role next season in some capacity. Pre-season will be crucial in determining whether Arteta will keep Nwaneri with the senior side or send him out on loan. Drawing a parallel to Jack Wilshere’s beneficial loan spell at Bolton Wanderers in 2010, this period could be pivotal for Nwaneri’s development.
Arsenal fans will be keen to see how this potential reintegration into the first team unfolds, as it’s been a while since the club had a youngster loaned out with a genuine plan for their return. While Charlie Patino and Brookes Norton-Cuffy have enjoyed Championship loans, both seem likely to have permanent futures outside of North London.
